Tiling backsplash over laminate????

We are putting granite in our kitchen and my wife wants to get rid of the laminate backsplash and replace it with tile. Can I tile over this laminate??????? I am just wondering if it would properly adhere?????

Removing that laminate backsplash would be an awful pain in the rear. Please tell me there is an alternative??????

Tiling backsplash over laminate????

Yea it runs behind the cabinets and I can't seem to get that good clean cut. Mostly because there are some weird angles because there is trim underneath the cabinets which I don't want to ruin by popping off. So far I attempted to use a dremel/cutting tool with a laminate bit and toe kick saw. I actually damaged one of the cabinets from the dremel kicking back.

I also used a razor knife with a titanium blade. I got the closest and cleanest cut with that but it's taking forever and it's a pain in the behind around those angled areas.

My dad came over and said, "son just tile over it" and it made me think- I never orginally asked if I could tile over the laminate.

Tiling backsplash over laminate????

You can tile over the laminate, just scuff it up with 36x or 50x sandpaper. One other consideration is the chrome cove moulding between the splash and the top. That could have been applied to the bottom edge of the splash (by nailing and adhesive/caulk), or could have been nailed to the countertop.

If you are replacing the top, getting it out with the splash in place may be problematic. My suggestion is to remove the splash. If you do, be careful, as the cabinets may be somewhat supported by the splash...maybe not.

Tiling backsplash over laminate????

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinetman

YOne other consideration is the chrome cove moulding between the splash and the top. That could have been applied to the bottom edge of the splash (by nailing and adhesive/caulk), or could have been nailed to the countertop.

You were exactly right. The chrome cove molding was installed between the counter top and the splash. Therefore the splash needs to come out. Unfortunately I didn't understand what you were talking about before but I sure do now.

Tiling backsplash over laminate????

I have tiled over drywall after repairing it. However, I've never repaired that much before (quite the mess you have going) (couldn't be helped I'm sure). It's a judgement call but I'm almost inclined to say replacing the drywall with a CBU and using thinset maybe a better option at this point. If not, oil prime the drywall FIRST before making the repairs and then prime again after.

Tiling backsplash over laminate????

It looks like they just glued the laminate to the wall, without any sort of substrate. A very odd application. Never seen that before.
If they used contact cement to adhere the laminate, you might be able to go over that with the mastic. It should not be water sensitive. Test a section to see.
Depending on how rough the wall surface is, would determine if you need to skim coat it. With a notched trowel the tile will float above the walls surface and not sit directly on it. I think you would need to paint it to seal the surface. You don't want the paper bubbling off the sheetrock. I'd use an alcohol based primer to minimze moisture on the paper.
Ron